Reviews

Damaged Goods by Talia Hibbert

yadira315's review against another edition

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ericawrites's review against another edition

4.0

I loved this second-chance romance. Hibbert knows how to embody her characters, and considering that Laura is pregnant, it's even more critical for the narrative. But Samir was just as embodied. These are two people whose romantic tension, touches, and kisses you feel. You also feel their love for Bump, and even without the 21-year jump forward in the epilogue, we know that Samir will father this kid, even if he's not biologically related to him.

This is a novella, and if I wanted anything, it was a bit more about Samir's life with Laura (like why a cafe?) and more about Laura's friendship with Ruth, given how Laura bullied Ruth. I needed a little more accountability because it is interesting that Laura was a bully and assisted in Ruth's abuse, even though Laura was one of Daniel's victims, too.

Samir jumping into the ocean to "save" Laura was a classic hero move, especially when she didn't need him, and I was worried that she might have to save him. I can't wait to read more of this series.

Note on the cover: Samir is of Moroccan/Italian heritage and is described as having amber skin and wavy dark hair, so I don't know who that man on the cover is.

beansbookclub's review against another edition

4.0

this whole series has me in a CHOKEHOLD.

foxholelibrary's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I received this novella for free when I joined Talia Hibbert's newsletter--how nice!  As always, Hibbert's writing here is funny, heartwarming, and sexy, and I really enjoyed the story even though I hadn't read any other Ravenswood novels.  Hibbert always handles her darker content really carefully, domestic violence and parental abuse in this case, but do read those content warnings before getting started with this one, as these characters are working through some really heavy traumas.  The only reason I'm not giving Damaged Goods four stars is that it doesn't feel particularly memorable to me, though I do think this read would have had more of an impact on me overall if I had read Ravenswood #1 first; I may read that eventually and then return to this to see if my rating changes.

mklynch27's review against another edition

4.0

This one is what is. It’s Talia Hibbert so obviously I love it for that reason but it doesn’t touch the level of the other ones in the series for me

shaaay's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A beautiful story of two teenaged sweethearts finding their way back to each other after a lot of life happened. So glad Talia decided to write Laura’s story and get her away from Daniel. Laura got to heal and Samir loved her through it, beautiful. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, and Physical abuse

beatrizwithaz's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

daydreamingreview's review against another edition

4.0

this was the perfect quick read, Samir was a DREAMBOAT, I loved him so much and I loved seeing Laura be brave and get her HEA

I know lots of people hate babies/pregnancy in books but honestly its a guilty pleasure of mine so like this was great lol

Talia does a fantastic job of making the "villians" of the story horrible bc WOW the hate I have for people in Laura's life is a lot!! Thank god she has Samir and Ruth. I wish there was a little more in regards to Ruth and Laura's friendship growth but it wouldve been a nice addition it didn't need it.

jenniferw88's review against another edition

emotional funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

bookbrig's review against another edition

emotional relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This series is great, and I finally chose not to start reading one just before bed. This was also a bit of a rougher read for me because of the more explicit on-page discussion of the abusive relationship. I still really enjoyed it, but I actually found myself skimming some of the sweeter parts to find out what happened with that relationship. It stressed me out more than I expected, and I wish there'd been a bit more of a resolution with her sister. But the main couple are sweet and lovely and it was a satisfying read overall. I may need to buy these once I've finished the series because they strike me as a good series for rereading when you need a mood boost.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Emotional abuse